I just turned 29 on Thursday and I’ve been reflecting a lot as I kick off my last year in my twenties. The old me would have told you that I’m turning 21 again (for the 8th time), but I’m finally embracing my age.

I realize I’m not getting any younger, so I’ve decided to make the rest of my life, the best of my life – starting with my new and improved bucket list for my 29th year! Read on for the deets on how I plan to end my twenties with a bang.

Katie’s 2016 Bucket List:

Bring the shimmer to me and my friend’s year with an epic girls trip!

Dye my hair a crazy fantasy color

Write a novel

Spend more time in Central Park

Run a marathon

Be more adventurous

Visit all the restaurants featured in Sex and the City

Go on a cruise

Donate to charity

Swim with dolphins

Stress way less

Participate in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Make time to catch up with old friends

Be someone’s mentor

Create the perfect signature cocktail

As you can tell, I’ve got a lot of living to go do, but first, let me add a checkmark next to “create the perfect signature cocktail.” To celebrate my birthday, I decided to create a cocktail recipe that really portrayed my personality. Behold, the Citrus Mist, featuring my fav shimmery liqueur – Viniq! Just like me, it’s sweet, shimmery, simple and creative.

Citrus Mist

Ingredients:

2 oz. Viniq Original®

1 oz. New Amsterdam Vodka

2 oz. Barefoot Bubbly Moscato

Lime squeeze

Directions:

Build ingredients in a champagne flute.

Ready to join me in bringing the shimmer this year? I know as I continue to check off my bucket list items I’ll be sharing my pics on social using #BringTheShimmer. Check out Viniq.com for more cocktail inspiration to celebrate your goals and checks off your bucket list this year!

I seriously can’t believe it’s been four entire years now since I first launched Martinis and Mascara.

Thank you all so much for reading and following in this journey of mine! I could not do this without my amazing followers and friends, so cheers to all of you reading this who have made this possible for me. I’m raising a glass to you today!

To further commemorate this momentous occasion, I propose a toast with one of my favorite martinis – the Ruby Drop! This shimmering red ‘tini features my fav new liqueur, Viniq. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate way to kick off the Martinis and Mascara blogiversary celebration.

This Ruby Drop tastes like red berries with a hint of citrus that finishes smooth and makes for a perfect combination after a long day of workin’ it. Or in my case, 4 years of workin’ it. 😉

Won’t you join me in raising a glass? Read on below for details on how to whip up your own!

Ruby Drop

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Viniq Ruby

1.5 oz. New Amsterdam® Citron Vodka

.75 oz. lemon juice

.5 oz. triple sec

Instructions:

Pour vodka, lemon, and triple sec into a shaker, shake with ice. Strain into a martini glass and enjoy.

This delish cocktail recipe marks the first of many blogiversary posts over the next week, so stay tuned for much more celebrating. In the meantime, cheers!